Acne

Acne is a disease that affects the oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin. The oil these glands make is called sebum. Sebaceous glands produce very little sebum before puberty, but during puberty, they start to make larger quantities due to an increase in hormones that follows puberty. Sebum normally flows up to the skin surface through hair follicles. Acne occurs when the path of sebum is blocked, usually by dead skin cells mixed with sebum. The hormones that have the greatest effect on the sebaceous glands are the male hormones called androgens. Both women and men carry male hormones, of course, in different quantities.

Treatment options include topical medications (antibiotics, chemical-peel like agents), oral antibiotics, hormonal medications (contraceptives, pro-estrogen products), and Isotretinoin (Accutane). Isotretinoin is indicated for moderate-severe patients and has the highest rate of lifelong cure. Isotretinoin has been on the market for over 40 years and is SAFE, despite what many non-reputable internet sites / blogs might say.

For more information please visit:

  1. American Academy of Dermatology – Acne Resource Center
  2. Mayo Clinic – Acne
  3. WebMD – Acne
  4. American Academy of Dermatology – Isotretinoin

MD Claiborne is proud to offer you quality acne treatments.

Call now for your appointment.

504-895-4339

Acne and your hormones. Your hormones also affect the way your skin grows and sheds dead cells during this time of your life-they can stick together and clog your pores. Sebum builds up in the follicle, becomes infected leading to the basic acne pimple. In some cases, the follicle becomes so full that it bursts (squeezing can also cause the follicle to burst). Inflammation and redness can then spread to surrounding parts of the skin. The result is a large and painful lump under the skin called an acne nodule. Acne nodules often leave scars when they heal.

Severe Acne - 300x205

Contrary to what you may have heard, greasy foods and foods, in general, do not cause acne, neither does poor hygiene. Scrubbing with cleansers or a harsh cloth is not likely to clear it up and may actually worsen it.  Oral antibiotics are typically reserved for moderate to severe cases that involve the formation of nodules.

For patients with severe acne, early intervention is key to preventing acne scarring. For this reason, you need to see Dr. Claiborne who will prescribe proper treatment and topical and/or oral medications.

For patients with existing acne scars, there are several ways to lessen the appearance of acne scarring. Check out our Fraxel Resurfacing Treatments or give us a call if you have questions or are ready to schedule your consultation.

For more information visit: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/acne

Locations

We have offices conveniently located in Chalmette, Uptown, and Elmwood. Call today to schedule your appointment at 504-895-4339 anytime between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, complete the short form below to have our staff contact you when we re-open.

504-895-4339

    At MD Claiborne & Associates we value and respect your privacy and will never solicit you for anything. Upon completion of this form, one of our staff will return your call to answer any questions and/or schedule your consultation as soon as possible.